Bulk 100,000 U/G Papain Powder CAS 9001-73-4

Papain Enzyme (CAS No. 9001-73-4) is a natural cysteine protease enzyme extracted from the crude latex of the unripe papaya fruit (Carica papaya). It appears as a white, off-white, or light pale-yellow powder or liquid with a characteristic mild, earthy odor. Composed of a single polypeptide chain of 212 amino acids stabilized by three disulfide bridges, Papain exhibits broad-spectrum proteolytic activity, efficiently cleaving peptide bonds in proteins across wide temperature (40-70℃) and pH (4.5–8.5) ranges.

Function

Papain functions primarily as a powerful protein-cleaving catalyst (protease) that hydrolyzes complex protein molecules into smaller peptides and amino acids. It targets peptide bonds involving basic amino acids, leucine, or glycine, breaking down tough structural proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibrin. Active in both acidic and neutral environments, Papain operates without requiring complex cofactors, offering high biocatalytic efficiency, gentle biochemical action, and strong digestive, anti-inflammatory, and gentle enzymatic exfoliating properties.

Application

Food & Beverage Industry

In food processing, Papain is widely used as a natural meat tenderizer, breaking down tough muscle fibers and connective tissues to improve tenderness and palatability. In the brewing industry, it is applied during beer lagering as a chill-proofing agent to hydrolyze haze-forming protein-polyphenol complexes, ensuring long-term clarity when cold. It also serves as a processing aid in protein hydrolysis, pet food production, and dough conditioning to modify gluten structure in baking.

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Industry

In pharmaceutical and clinical applications, Papain serves as an active ingredient in digestive enzyme supplements to alleviate indigestion, bloating, and protein malabsorption. It is incorporated into topical wound-debridement ointments to selectively digest necrotic tissues, fibrin clots, and debris without damaging healthy surrounding cells. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties support use in systemic enzyme therapy formulations for reducing edema, sports injuries, and joint inflammation.

Cosmetics & Personal Care Industry

In personal care and cosmetics, Papain acts as a gentle, non-abrasive enzymatic exfoliator in facial cleansers, peeling masks, and brightening serums. It dissolves dead keratinocytes on the skin surface to promote cell turnover, unclog pores, and improve skin texture without causing mechanical irritation. It is also utilized in oral care products like whitening toothpastes to break down proteinaceous dental plaque and stains.